John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

One Essential Question for Your Advisor, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

March 10, 2025 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

One Essential Question for Your Advisor, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

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One Essential Question for Your Advisor, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

In this commentary from a recent Family Business Radio episode, host Anthony Chen shares one essential question you need to ask of any advisor you’re considering working with.

Anthony’s commentary was taken from this episode of Family Business Radio. Family Business Radio is underwritten by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network.

Transcript

Now, as we are closing out the show, we have what’s called Anthony’s financial take. And taking some perspective and insights from our recent guest here, Bob, with the question of how to best find the right advisor, what’s the question to ask for me? My go-to question or recommendation is ask them what would need to happen at the five- and ten-year mark for you to be able to look back and say, this was a good decision for us to decide to work with you.

If they don’t ask a similar question, well, what does the endpoint look like? What does success look like? It is almost impossible for any advisor, doesn’t matter if it’s financial planning, CPA or whoever, to create any plans. It’s almost like going to an architect and saying, hey, design me a house.

expecting the architect to come with a blueprint and not even know what a square footage is or how many bedrooms or bathrooms there are. So if that’s the case and there’s, Oh yeah, I’m going to design a plan. And, and they even asked the most basic questions; second to what Bob said, you probably should run. That being said, thank you for listening in to Family Business Radio.

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Family Business Radio is sponsored and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. Securities and advisory services are offered through OSAIC, member FINRA/SIPC. RAA is separately owned, and other entities and/or marketing names, products, or services referenced here are independent of OSAIC. The main office address is 575 Broadhollow Rd., Melville, NY 11747. You can reach Anthony at 631-465-9090, ext. 5075, or by email at anthonychen@lfnllc.com.

Anthony Chen started his career in financial services with MetLife in Buffalo, NY, in 2008. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, he considers himself a full-blooded New Yorker while now enjoying his Atlanta, GA, home. Specializing in family businesses and their owners, Anthony works to protect what is most important to them. From preserving to creating wealth, Anthony partners with CPAs and attorneys to help address all of the concerns and help clients achieve their goals. By using a combination of financial products ranging from life, disability, and long-term care insurance to many investment options through Royal Alliance, Anthony looks to be the eyes and ears for his client’s financial foundation. In his spare time, Anthony is an avid long-distance runner.

The complete show archive of Family Business Radio can be found by following this link.

Navigating Career Transitions, with Kelly Johnson, Crystal Lake Marketing and Coaching

March 10, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Navigating Career Transitions, with Kelly Johnson, Crystal Lake Marketing and Coaching

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Navigating Career Transitions, with Kelly Johnson, Crystal Lake Marketing and Coaching (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 853)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray talks with Kelly Johnson from Crystal Lake Marketing and Coaching. Kelly is a transition coach who helps individuals navigate career and business changes. She shares her own journey from an unfulfilled corporate employee to a successful business owner and coach. Kelly emphasizes the importance of understanding personal strengths through assessments, leveraging networks, and building a strong personal brand. She also discusses the process of transitioning to new careers or business ventures, providing actionable steps and success stories to illustrate her points. Kelly’s insights are invaluable for anyone feeling stuck or unfulfilled in their current role and seeking clarity on their next steps.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Kelly Johnson, Crystal Lake Marketing and Coaching

Kelly Johnson is a dedicated coach, speaker, and business leader who specializes in helping individuals and entrepreneurs discover their ideal career paths and achieve their professional and business goals.

As the founder of Crystal Lake Marketing and Coaching, Kelly blends her extensive experience in strategic healthcare marketing with her passion for personal and professional development. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare B2B growth marketing, Kelly has a proven track record of driving impactful results for organizations through innovative strategies and leadership.

Drawing from her professional journey and advanced coaching training, she has expanded her services to include career development and business coaching, empowering clients to navigate challenges, unlock their potential, and thrive in their chosen fields.

Kelly’s unique blend of marketing expertise and coaching insights allows her to provide a holistic approach to success, helping individuals and organizations align their goals, strategies, and purpose.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Business Radio
00:24 Meet Kelly Johnson: Transition Coach
02:10 The Journey to Becoming a Transition Coach
03:19 Helping People in Transition
03:42 Career Arc and Self-Exploration
05:18 Understanding Strengths and Overcoming Fear
07:02 Real-Life Examples of Transition Coaching
13:38 Exercises for Career Clarity
17:33 Training for Career Transition
18:02 Building a Strong Personal Brand
20:36 Kelly’s Personal Transition Journey
23:19 Guidance for Business Owners
28:40 Success Stories and Impact
30:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 850 shows and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, host of *North Fulton Business Radio*, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Beyond Numbers: How Frazier & Deeter Invests in Relationships, with Jessie Broussard and Donna Beatty, Frazier & Deeter

March 7, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Numbers: How Frazier & Deeter Invests in Relationships, with Jessie Broussard and Donna Beatty, Frazier & Deeter

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Beyond Numbers: How Frazier & Deeter Invests in Relationships, with Jessie Broussard and Donna Beatty, Frazier & Deeter (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 852)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Jessie Broussard, Chief Marketing Officer, and Donna Beatty, Tax Partner at Frazier & Deeter. The discussion highlights the evolution of Frazier & Deeter from a traditional accounting firm to a multifaceted advisory firm. Topics covered include the firm’s commitment to client relationships, the integration of technology like AI, and the recent rebranding efforts focused on maintaining client trust while evolving with modern times. The conversation also touches upon the importance of internal culture and recruiting in maintaining the firm’s growth and success. Listen to learn how Frazier & Deeter continues to innovate and serve their clients’ diverse needs while fostering a dynamic and supportive workplace.

Jessie Broussard, Chief Marketing Officer, Frazier & Deeter

Jessie Broussard was named Frazier & Deeter’s first Chief Marketing Officer in 2024, marking a significant milestone for the firm’s strategic growth. With more than 15 years of corporate marketing and leadership experience, she specializes in B2B marketing, advertising and sales enablement, along with a background in talent and organizational development. Her expertise spans brand development, demand generation and client engagement across professional services, technology and telecommunications sectors.

Known for leading high-performing teams, Broussard has developed marketing strategies that fuel business growth and innovation. Her leadership plays a key role in advancing Frazier & Deeter’s market presence and strengthening client relationships. A graduate of the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts in History, she has been recognized for her expertise in strategic communications and sales marketing in the B2B sector.

Donna Beatty, Tax Partner, Frazier & Deeter

Donna Beatty, a Partner in Frazier & Deeter’s Tax Practice, brings extensive professional tax and accounting expertise to the firm. Her experience includes providing comprehensive tax planning, review, advisory, and compliance services to closely held businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and professional services groups. She has significant expertise consulting with small businesses on financial software and has worked with clients across various industries, including real estate, construction, manufacturing and distribution, retail, professional services, technology, entertainment, and family-owned businesses.

Donna specializes in assisting law firms and real estate investment groups with complex tax matters. Her broad industry knowledge enables her to offer valuable insights in an evolving market. She has successfully represented clients before the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, D.C., showcasing her ability to navigate challenging tax scenarios.

A hallmark of Donna’s career is her commitment to building strong professional relationships with her clients. She thrives on understanding and meeting their needs and expectations. Before 1994, Donna served as a Principal at Frazier & Deeter before transitioning to a partner role at a small local accounting firm. She rejoined Frazier & Deeter in January 2010 to better serve her clients.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Donna is actively involved in civic and professional organizations. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA), and the Atlanta Tax Forum, where she serves as a Board Member and Past President. She is also a Board Vice President for the Better Business Bureau Serving Metro Atlanta, Athens & Northeast Georgia, and a Board Member and Past Chair of the C5 Georgia Youth Foundation. Furthermore, Donna serves as a director on the board of the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia (CFNEG), contributing to initiatives that strengthen communities through leadership and charitable giving while supporting nonprofits and fostering meaningful connections between donors and causes.

Frazier & Deeter

Frazier & Deeter, founded in 1981 by Jim Frazier and David Deeter, is a prominent accounting and advisory firm that has grown from its Atlanta roots to become one of the largest and fastest-growing firms in the United States. The founders, dissatisfied with the rigid and impersonal approach of their Big Eight firms, set out to create a company that prioritized client relationships and hired curious professionals eager to understand their clients on a deeper level.

Over the past four decades, Frazier & Deeter has attracted talent from the world’s largest accounting firms, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), and prestigious colleges. Today, it stands as a Top 50 firm with a presence in three countries, maintaining its commitment to client-centric service.

The firm’s success is attributed to its brand promise of “Investing in Relationships to Make a Difference™,” which has earned it numerous accolades. These include recognition as a Best of the Best Accounting firm, Best Firm for Women, Fastest Growing, and Best Firm to Work For.

Frazier & Deeter offers a comprehensive range of services, including tax, audit, risk advisory, digital, and business transformation solutions. Its client base spans from Fortune Global 500 companies to small businesses worldwide. The firm is registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, underscoring its commitment to maintaining high professional standards.

Website | LinkedIn |Facebook | Instagram

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:33 Meet Jessie Broussard and Donna Beatty
01:52 Frazier & Deeter: Beyond Traditional Accounting
07:16 The Role of Technology and AI
11:50 Brand Refresh and Employer Branding
24:22 Client Success Stories and Firm Growth
29:11 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors, with Lois Rusco, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

March 5, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors, with Lois Rusco, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

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Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors, with Lois Rusco, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 851)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Lois Rusco, the Executive Director of TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. The discussion covers the vital need for specialized rehabilitation services for breast cancer survivors, highlighting the comprehensive support TurningPoint offers, including physical therapy, emotional counseling, and nutrition services. Lois shares her personal connection to the cause and the organization’s efforts to reach underserved communities through initiatives like the Atlanta Initiative and the Georgia Outreach Initiative. The episode also provides details on upcoming events and ways the community can support TurningPoint.

Lois Rusco, Executive Director, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

Lois Rusco has been involved with TurningPoint since 2014 as a donor and volunteer. She joined the Board of Directors in 2021, where she served as Development Chair and on the Executive Committee as Treasurer. Lois joined the staff in 2022 as the Development Director and now serves as the Executive Director.

Lois has an MBA and is a former CPA. Prior to joining TurningPoint, she was an entrepreneur owning three successful businesses. Lois also worked in various roles in consumer packaged goods companies, including sales, marketing, brand management, and finance.

TurningPoint is important to Lois as her mother is a breast cancer survivor and her sister-in-law passed away from from the disease

TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals impacted by breast cancer. Established in 2003, it provides specialized, evidence-based rehabilitation services to help patients manage the physical and emotional side effects of breast cancer treatment.

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, TurningPoint offers a comprehensive range of services including physical therapy, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, lymphedema screening and management, emotional support, and tailored fitness classes. These services are designed to address the holistic needs of patients, ensuring they can return to an active and healthy lifestyle. TurningPoint also offers reduced-fee and complimentary services, along with financial assistance programs, to ensure care is accessible to all, particularly low-income and uninsured patients.

TurningPoint is recognized as a thought leader in breast cancer rehabilitation and survivorship. It focuses on reducing socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and geographic barriers to care through initiatives like The Atlanta Initiative and The Georgia Outreach Initiative. The Atlanta Initiative targets underserved Black and LGBTQIA+ breast cancer survivors in Atlanta, while The Georgia Outreach Initiative reaches rural areas of Georgia where access to quality care is limited. TurningPoint provides telehealth services, transportation assistance, and financial aid to ensure that no patient is turned away. With a commitment to education, TurningPoint also offers workshops and training for healthcare providers to enhance patient outcomes and reduce cancer recurrence.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:32 Introducing Lois Rusco and TurningPoint
01:51 The Founding and Mission of TurningPoint
02:37 Lois Rusco’s Personal Connection
03:24 Challenges in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
05:41 Services and Programs at TurningPoint
08:58 Community Outreach and Support
15:16 Events and Fundraising
17:02 Impact and Testimonials
18:27 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

**John Ray, North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

The Value of a Fractional CFO, with Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

The Value of a Fractional CFO, with Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners

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The Value of a Fractional CFO, with Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 850)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio hosted by John Ray, guest Lyle Newkirk from SeatonHill Partners discusses his extensive experience as a fractional CFO. Lyle explains the value of having a fractional executive for middle-market businesses, stressing the importance of preparation for mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Throughout the conversation, Lyle shares insights on various aspects of business finance, from operational improvements with AI to the importance of soft skills in connecting with business owners. The episode is filled with practical advice and real-world examples, showcasing the unique benefits of hiring a seasoned fractional CFO.

Lyle Newkirk, CFO Partner, SeatonHill

Lyle Newkirk is a CFO partner with SeatonHill. He has over 35 years of experience in CFO and executive finance roles. He has worked with public and private companies based both in the US and internationally, where he developed the strategies to achieve significant top-line revenue growth and helped to facilitate various successful acquisitions and strategic exits, including three exits to Fortune 500 companies. Lyle has extensive experience in technology companies in general and SaaS companies specifically. Lyle’s expertise also includes FP&A, growth planning and tactics, cash management, HR, sales operations, and regulatory compliance

SeatonHill provides organizations financial leadership with a strategic and operational focus by placing elite CFO talent to challenge the business and contribute to operational decisions to achieve results. With their curated talent, their financial leaders guide small and medium-sized businesses through complex financial problems to mitigate risk and achieve organizational goals.

SeatonHill is the fastest-growing CFO services firm in the nation, offering the power of combined thought leadership and the support of the country’s top financial talent to the benefit of all our clients. SeatonHill has offices in Boston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Austin, Houston, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, and Washington D.C.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
02:00 Meet Lyle Newkirk: Veteran CFO
04:02 The Role and Importance of a Fractional CFO
05:53 Soft Skills and Business Connection
08:06 Fractional Executive vs. Full-Time Employee
10:32 Leveraging Experience and Network
14:52 Middle Market Focus
16:23 Shift in Business Optimism
17:57 Preparing for M&A Transactions
19:18 Importance of Early Preparation
20:49 Navigating the LOI Process
24:29 Impact of AI on Finance
26:30 Success Stories in Business
29:37 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Financial Infidelity: The Hidden Threat to Marriages, with Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Financial Infidelity: The Hidden Threat to Marriages, with Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management

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Financial Infidelity: The Hidden Threat to Marriages (One Minute Interview, Episode 133)

During her recent appearance on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray, Kathy Healy of Healy Wealth Management addressed a growing concern in marriages: financial infidelity.

Healy noted that money consistently ranks as the primary source of conflict between married couples. She defined financial infidelity as behaviors ranging from “squirreling away money” and making undisclosed purchases to more significant financial deceptions.

The solution? Regular, transparent communication.

Healy shared that some of her clients have implemented structured financial check-ins. One couple calls their weekly session the “MOM” meeting—Meeting of the Minds. While Healy acknowledged that weekly might be excessive for many (including herself), she emphasized that monthly financial conversations should be the minimum standard.

Even when one spouse handles the day-to-day financial administration, Healy stressed that both partners must remain informed and engaged with their shared financial picture. This transparency builds trust and ensures both spouses understand their current situation and progress toward goals.

For couples discovering fundamental differences in their financial priorities, Healy offered a practical exercise: Have each spouse separately list their top ten financial goals, then come together to discuss. This approach creates space for both perspectives before moving into the essential work of collaboration and compromise.

The wisdom extends beyond avoiding arguments. Financial transparency builds something far more valuable: a shared vision that honors both partners’ needs and concerns.

By maintaining open financial communication, couples can avoid the damaging effects of financial infidelity and build a stronger foundation for their future together.

Follow this link to listen to Kathy’s full North Fulton Business Radio interview with host John Ray.

Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management

Kathy Healy, CFP®, founder and CEO of Healy Wealth Management in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized in this year’s Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisors—Atlanta High Net Worth Advisors and Top Women Wealth Advisors 2024, Best-In-State.

Kathy has served more than 20 years in the financial services industry and provides a full range of financial services, including retirement and financial planning, wealth management, and insurance. Her husband, John Healy, CFA, is the Chief Investment Officer for Healy Wealth Management. Together they make an amazing team, working to improve each client’s financial well-being.

Kathy’s education and certifications include: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, University of Georgia–Terry College of Business MBA, University of Alabama at Birmingham BBA, University of Montevallo FINRA Series 7 held with LPL Financial, FINRA Series 66 held with IFG Advisory, LLC and LPL Financial Life and Health/Accident Sickness Insurance.

Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

The “One Minute Interview” series is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Happy Dogs, Happier Owners, with Stacy Fotos, The Happy Dog Hotel

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Happy Dogs, Happier Owners, with Stacy Fotos, The Happy Dog Hotel

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Happy Dogs, Happier Owners, with Stacy Fotos, The Happy Dog Hotel (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 849)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Stacy Fotos, co-owner of The Happy Dog Hotel. Stacy shares insights about her dog-centric business that offers daycare, boarding, and grooming services for dogs. She emphasizes the importance of cleanliness, staff who genuinely love dogs, and the difference between owner-run and investor-run dog care businesses. Stacy also discusses the unique features of The Happy Dog Hotel, such as large kennels, a dog ice cream shop, and various community events. Additionally, she outlines her future goals, including acquiring a farm to expand her services and creating a non-profit to help homeless dogs.

Stacy Fotos, Co-Founder, The Happy Dog Hotel

Stacy Fotos is a dedicated entrepreneur and community leader who has been an integral part of the Metro Atlanta area for over three decades. As a mother of two grown children, Courteney (29) and Joseph (25), and a grandmother to Jaxson (4) and Chandler (21 months), Stacy has deep roots in Alpharetta, where she raised her family. Her personal interests include spending quality time with her grandchildren, traveling abroad, and indulging in her love for reading.

Throughout her career, Stacy has demonstrated a strong commitment to both community service and business leadership. From 1998 to 2002, she served on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Restoration Network, eventually holding the position of Chair. In this role, she was instrumental in media relations, acting as a spokesperson across various platforms, and led successful fundraising initiatives, including chairing the fundraising committee and organizing annual auctions. From 2008 to December 31, 2024, Stacy founded and managed Synergy HomeCare of North Atlanta, a home care company where she oversaw daily operations, employee management, and ensured compliance with state regulations.

**Stacy Fotos and Christopher Zimmerman, Co-Founders, The Happy Dog Hotel**

The Happy Dog Hotel is a premier dogboarding and daycare facility co-founded by Stacy Fotos and her childhood friend Christopher Zimmerman. Opened in March 2024, the hotel offers a unique “home away from home” experience for canine guests, providing services such as boarding, daycare, grooming, and even featuring an organic doggie ice cream parlor. The facility prides itself on its spacious, climate-controlled suites, supervised playtime sessions, and personalized care tailored to each dog’s individual needs.

At The Happy Dog Hotel, Stacy oversees comprehensive management, including human resources, marketing, networking, social media, and all operational aspects of the business. What sets the hotel apart is not only its commitment to exceptional pet care but also its dedication to giving back to the community. The founders have set a five-year goal to use proceeds from the hotel to build their own homeless shelter and support dogs in need. This mission-driven approach, combined with their family-owned status and trained, dog-loving staff, has quickly established The Happy Dog Hotel as a top-rated choice for pet owners in the Johns Creek and Alpharetta areas of Georgia.

The Happy Dog Hotel is located at 11895 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek, GA 30005.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Stacy LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:35 Meet Stacy Fotos of Happy Dog Hotel
01:55 Services Offered by Happy Dog Hotel
02:41 The Story Behind Happy Dog Hotel
04:29 Importance of Cleanliness and Quality Care
05:46 Owner-Run vs. Investor-Run Facilities
14:25 Community Involvement and Events
17:38 Future Plans and Goals
21:51 Conclusion and Contact Information
22:42 Final Announcements and Thank You

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

The Value of Self-Effacing Humor, with Comedian Jeff Justice

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

The Value of Self-Effacing Humor, with Comedian Jeff Justice

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The Value of Self-Effacing Humor, with Comedian Jeff Justice (One Minute Interview, Episode 132)

During a recent interview on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray, comedian and humor expert Jeff Justice shared a profound insight about effective communication that many business professionals overlook.

Self-effacing humor—the art of laughing at your own mistakes and missteps—creates an immediate connection with others that polished perfection simply cannot achieve.

Justice explained that audiences don’t want to hear from someone who presents themselves as flawless. They crave authenticity and relatability. When speakers share their stumbles along with their successes, they transform from distant authorities into trusted guides.

He illustrated this with the story of Charles Brewer, MindSpring’s founder. According to Justice, Brewer’s early presentations were painfully self-promotional, focusing solely on achievements. But after embracing self-effacing humor, Brewer’s speaking transformed dramatically. By laughing at his “stupid ideas and dumb assumptions” from his early days, he created genuine audience connection.

Justice compared this to Bill Gates’ famously incorrect prediction that “64K of memory” would be sufficient for computing needs—the kind of humbling admission that humanizes even the most successful business leaders.

The psychology behind this approach is straightforward but powerful. When speakers acknowledge their imperfections, audiences think, “They’re one of us. They’ve made the same mistakes we have.” This creates the foundation for trust and influence that no amount of credential-touting can establish.

For business professionals looking to strengthen their communication impact, Justice’s insight offers a clear direction: don’t hide your missteps—strategically share them with humor and perspective. The vulnerability creates the very bridge that perfection never can.

Listen to Jeff’s full North Fulton Business Radio interview with host John Ray here.

Jeff Justice

Jeff Justice was destined to become a humorist. At an early age, he discovered that if he could make his older brothers laugh, they would stop giving him “Noogies.” Thus, his first realization in humor: You can’t laugh and be angry at the same time.

Jeff spent fourteen years headlining the top comedy clubs across the United States. For the past twenty years, Jeff has focused on empowering corporate Americans to reduce stress in both business and personal life by utilizing our innate sense of humor as a safety valve. Jeff’s true gift is helping people laugh at their mistakes so they can take themselves lightly and their work seriously.

Jeff’s innovative ideas have been featured many times on CNN and CNBC, while his expertise in humor has also been recognized in numerous magazine and newspaper articles plus radio shows across the country.

Jeff’s client list includes IBM, Coca-Cola, Southern Company, Kroger, the Food Marketing Institute, the National Association of Realtors, James Madison University and the list goes on.

His latest book is Laugh More, Stress Less (and avoid getting burned out).

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

The “One Minute Interview” series is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

The Role and Impact of a Fractional CFO, with Stan Alhadeff, Business CFO for Hire

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

The Role and Impact of a Fractional CFO, with Stan Alhadeff, Business CFO for Hire

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The Role and Impact of a Fractional CFO, with Stan Alhadeff, Business CFO for Hire (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 848)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Stan Alhadeff, an outside fractional CFO from Business CFO for Hire. Stan shares his journey from South Africa to the U.S. and how his personal circumstances led him to a career in financial management. He explains the concept of a fractional CFO, emphasizing the strategic and analytical support provided to businesses. Stan highlights the importance of communication and risk management in financial roles and shares success stories from his career, including turning around troubled companies. The episode also discusses the distinction between a CFO and a CPA, stressing the complementary nature of their roles.

Stan Alhadeff, Business CFO for Hire

Stan Alhadeff is a seasoned financial executive with over 30 years of international experience in financial and operational management. As a former corporate CFO, he has a proven track record of guiding companies through strategic growth, financial solvency, and successful exits. His expertise spans closely held companies, start-ups, nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)), and public companies across diverse industries, including organizations with revenues exceeding $1 billion.

With 15+ years as a corporate CFO and 18 years as an outsourced/fractional CFO, Stan has played a pivotal role in leading four successful company exits. Known for his analytical, flexible, and creative problem-solving skills, he excels in business strategy development and financial leadership.

Stan’s academic credentials include degrees in Accounting, Auditing, and Taxation, along with two master’s degrees: an MAcc-equivalent (Accounting, Auditing, Taxation) and an MBA specializing in Corporate Strategy and Project Management. His depth of experience and strategic insight make him a trusted advisor to businesses seeking financial clarity and sustainable growth.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:29 Guest Introduction: Stan Alhadeff
01:59 Stan’s Background and Journey
02:59 Understanding the Role of a Fractional CFO
04:41 Stan’s Career Path and Experiences
12:22 The Importance of Communication in Finance
16:11 Industry Specializations and Client Success Stories
28:52 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
29:36 Host’s Final Thoughts and Book Promotion

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About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.